Search smh:

Search in:

Ogilvy bullish about Aussies' Open chances

Tom Wald

Geoff Ogilvy believes the British Open still remains Australia's best shot at capturing a major title despite the nation's golfers excelling this year in the US.

Jason Day has led the way by finishing second at the US Masters and US Open - including a tie with compatriot Adam Scott at Augusta National.

The British Open has provided Australia with the bulk of its success in majors, accounting for nine of the nation's 15 titles, ahead of this week's tournament at Royal St George's.

"This is always considered our best chance for a major and it probably still is," Ogilvy said.

Advertisement

The 2006 US Open champion thinks the likes of Day, Scott, Aaron Baddeley and himself are all in good enough touch to challenge for the title on England's south-east coast, starting on Thursday.

"There is no reason why we couldn't produce a winner," Ogilvy said.

"Adam played great at the Masters, Jason has played well in the past two majors and I played well at the Masters (finishing fourth) and I am going to forget all the rest (of my year).

"Badds (Baddeley) has been playing better. I have (recently) played two rounds with Aaron.

"He is starting to hit the ball as good as he used too. He is a chance to win around a tough golf course. I think I might have left a few (Aussies) out there."

Greg Norman collected his second British Open title at Royal St George's in 1993 - the last time an Australian lifted the Auld Claret Jug.

Ogilvy believes golf is at a fascinating stage with no dominant No.1 player following Tiger Woods' decline and the rise of the likes of Rory McIlroy and Day.

"It seems like you guys (in the media) don't know who to crown the champion before it starts," he said with a smile, "like you have for the last 15 years.

"There is a bit more interest when nobody really knows what is going to happen and you are probably picking out of 15 guys when you guys were picking out of one for the past 15 years.

"Luke (Donald) seems to be solidifying himself there at No.1 but there seems to be about five or 10 guys out there that seem to be putting their hands up saying 'I really want to be No.1 in this period' and that is good.

"It has not been like this since the start of world rankings ... I think it is great for golf."

Day will play in his second British Open this week after coming 60th last year on debut at St Andrews.

Ogilvy isn't sure whether the world No.8's lack of experience on links courses will be a factor in Kent.

"It is different but he had never played the Masters before and he came second, so I am not going to say he is not capable," he said.

"He is more than capable.

"I think the harder it gets, the harder it is to do well first time but, if it stays (sunny and calm) like this, that would suit Jason well.

"But if it gets hard, he is a quality player who plays great shots.

"If he plays enough practice rounds, I am sure he will work it out."

The weather is expected to be largely fine for the opening two days of the tournament with showers predicted on Saturday.